AVT and U.S. Air Force Complete Latest Phase of X-MADIS Field Testing

Ascent Vision Technologies (AVT) recently completed the next phase of field testing with its counter UAS system, the eXpeditionary Mobile Air Defense Integrated System (X-MADIS), for the U.S. Air Force. The latest event was conducted at an undisclosed location and focused on optimizing the system for the Air Force’s selected platforms. The testing continues to validate the performance characteristics of the X-MADIS for the Air Force’s programs, and provides critical information for documenting operational procedures.

AVT was awarded the contract this summer after months of testing, trials and evaluation across multiple military services and operational spectrums. The contract, which exceeds $23 million, calls for multiple counter UAS systems (CUAS) to be delivered to the Air Force. The first X-MADIS system is scheduled to be delivered to the Air Force in December.

“Our X-MADIS units are in service around the world protecting combat forces, civilians and critical infrastructure, as well as some of the world’s most influential leaders,” said Lee Dingman, President at AVT. “We are honored that the U.S. Air Force selected the X-MADIS as their counter UAS solution to effectively fight hostile threats and protect their service members in the field.

“AVT’s comprehensive training services focus on optimizing the X-MADIS for the mission at hand,” continued Dingman. “We provide tailored training solutions for customers to help them make rapid and informed decisions when responding to sUAS threats.”

The rise of small unmanned aerial system (sUAS) misuse and drone attacks has escalated over the last few years, producing a critical demand for effective CUAS technology. The mission of the X-MADIS is to detect, locate, track, identify and defeat sUAS by combining the capabilities of radar, optics, radio frequency detection and electronic command and control mitigation of the aircraft. The X-MADIS is unique in that it accomplishes the mission while the unit is static or on the move.

AVT has seen rapid growth this year, notching its strongest year yet for X-MADIS sales. The sales and contract awards are the result of extensive in-field testing and trials to demonstrate the capabilities of the X-MADIS to customers. AVT currently has two X-MADIS systems dedicated for customer demonstrations and training and testing exercises. Another phase of testing with the Air Force will take place later this month to further refine their specific mission parameters.

“With the growing threat of weaponized sUAS, the need for effective and reliable counter UAS technology has never been more crucial,” added Dingman. “Our technology is combat-proven and ready to provide unmatched protection for a range of missions.”

The X-MADIS is a fully integrated counter UAS system (CUAS) that combines the most innovative technologies to offer a powerful fixed site and on-the-move (OTM) solution to combat sUAS threats. The system includes AVT’s pioneering CUAS optic, four all-threat air surveillance radars and an electronic warfare system.

These components are seamlessly integrated with AVT’s intuitive command and control (C2) software, CUAS Suite, for complete command and control of the entire kill chain. CUAS Suite is a touchscreen interface that ties all the components together into a user-friendly and rapidly-deployable system.